Author Topic: Grinding Angles?  (Read 2040 times)

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Offline labdad

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Grinding Angles?
« on: October 31, 2013, 09:17:19 pm »
Ok, I just bought a lightly used 511A and a Oregon chain break and spinner at a estate sale so cheap I can't even tell you what I paid ;D.  I have always filed my chains but want to learn to grind them now. I run Huskys but some of my friends use Stihls and it looks like the Stihl chain is a whole different animal. Whats the deal with the Stihl chain angles.
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Offline 660magnum

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2013, 09:27:42 pm »
If you take your chains to the chainsaw dealer, they all get ground at the same angles - 30 horizontal degrees on the top plate and 60 vertical degrees. No 10 degree droop on the chisel chains.

The Stihl chain angles in the chart usually represent the complement of the Oregon chain angles. However many of Oregon's angles say 55 degrees for the vertical angle though most people use 60 degrees.

I have a 511A and it grinds a Stihl chain just as well as it does Oregon chains. I do them at the same angles.

I do the 10 degree droop on the chisel chains
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Offline Philbert

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2013, 09:33:02 pm »
Don't worry about brand specific angles.  You can look up the recommended angles for major chains on their Internet sites, but it's really up to you. 

Most people grind the top plate at 30° with a grinder head tilt of 60°.  They may grind + or -10° for full chisel chains (vise tilt).

Download a copy of the Oregon 511A grinder manual from the Bailey's website, and pay attention to the part about centering your vise to get the same angles and cutter lengths on both sides.

Philbert

Offline labdad

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2013, 09:35:56 pm »
That's what I was curious about, I printed off a chart from Stihl and it was showing some different angles.  Being new to this and having never messed with Stihl chains before I didn't want to mess up a buddies chain. It's the kind of thing you would never live down. I'm sure you know what I mean. :-[
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Offline Philbert

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2013, 09:39:07 pm »
660Magnum types faster that me, but we pretty much said the same thing!  I believe that he referred to a chart floating around for settings on the STIHL USG grinder, which is set up different than the one you just acquired.

Because you now own a grinder, you can grind the cutters at any angle you choose!

Philbert

Offline 660magnum

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2013, 09:42:35 pm »
I think Philbert owns a 511A also?
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Offline labdad

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2013, 09:46:49 pm »
Thanks for clearing that up, the Stihl grinder chart is the one I printed and what had me confused. It all makes more sense now. Every now and then I have a bout with "sometimers" and things get a little fuzzy.

PS the little plate with the angles is worn off, any idea where I could pick one up?  They don't show a part # for it anymore.
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Offline Philbert

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2013, 09:49:53 pm »
Choose your grinding wheel thickness according to the pitch of the chain, just like you would file size.

Choose your grinding angles based on the expected use (hardwood, softwood, etc.), same as you would for filing.

Pick some old or scrap chains to practice on.  Dress the edge of the wheel and only take the great wheel down as far as you would take the file. Don't try to grind all the way to the gullets. Same as with a file. Picking up a pattern here?

Take your time and use lots of little taps. If you want you, can take a scrap chain and intentionally overheat/blue the cutters to get a feel for what that takes. Then work to develop a light touch so that you don't blue them when sharpening.

Philbert

Offline labdad

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2013, 09:56:47 pm »
Thanks for the tips, I have been practicing on some old chains I have laying around.  I think I am ready to make a go at a good chain, we will see what happens. Thanks again!
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Offline 3000 FPS

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Re: Grinding Angles?
« Reply #9 on: October 31, 2013, 09:57:04 pm »
Another key to not over heating the cutters when grinding is to keep the grinding wheel dressed and clean.
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